Director of Interpretive Engagement 

Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) of the University of Rochester (UR), Rochester, NY

To apply for this position, you must submit your application online at the following website: https://rochester.edu/people/applyonline/index.php 

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The Director of Interpretive Engagement develops museum-wide interpretive strategies for dynamic, engaging, visitor-centered experiences of art in permanent galleries and special exhibitions in collaboration with museum colleagues. The Director drives the creation of project-based interpretive plans of digital content throughout the collection. The Director leads the development of interpretive plans based on visitor evaluation and research, and drives forward thinking projects based on changes in interpretation in museum and art arenas. The director applies community engagement techniques to ensure that interpretive plans align with the museum's strategic initiatives, mission, and vision and demonstrate the MAG's leadership role in creating meaningful experiences with art for broad audiences. The Director of Interpretive Engagement is a member of the MAG’s Senior Staff and reports to and supports the MAG Director in their efforts to set and advance MAG’s mission.

Position Description:

25%

• Leads museum staff in interpretive planning and digital content across special exhibition and permanent installation projects.
• Collaborates with curators and exhibition staff in order to effectively integrate interpretive and digital materials into gallery, creating a positive and enriching guest experience.
• Uses skills in writing, project management, and storytelling to create innovative resources for both onsite and online platforms that facilitate access to art and creativity.

25%

• Works with appropriate museum leadership on strategies for community engagement and audience participation in interpretive planning to expand meaningful opportunities for all audiences.
• Demonstrates a commitment to foster, promote, and support Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion by embracing difference, connecting, and engaging with empathy, and promoting a culture of belonging among internal and external stakeholders.
• Advises on evaluation and research application for interpretive planning to support long-term institutional learning about visitor experiences. Collaborates with Marketing & Engagement team where appropriate.

25%

• Manage interpretation projects (planning, development, writing) and staff workloads.
• Drives the implementation of digital content and throughout the collection.
• Communicates interpretation goals and support institutional learning about visitor-centeredness and community engagement.
• Participates on cross-functional teams, as needed.

25%

• Oversees the MAG docent program, which consists of approximately 90 volunteer docents, and supplies tours both in-person and virtual to schools, general public, specialty groups, and University students.
• Supervises staff coordinating logistics, and supplies feedback on docent training and enrichment programs.

5%

• Leads team members using goal setting, feedback, and development with MELIORA values in mind.
• Manage, mentor, develop, and recruit a team to achieve the strategic objectives and the present and future needs of the department.

5%

• Oversees MAG’s engagement with the Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program (WSAP) in UR’s College of Arts, Sciences and Engineering.
• Directs their staff/volunteers to ensure that appropriate and relevant content is delivered; that MAG visits are organized (reserving classroom space at MAG; managing and overseeing student transportation and art movement when appropriate; offering every WSAP section leader the opportunity to engage meaningfully with MAG resources, etc.)
• Ensures that the Interpretive Engagement department works with UR departments to promote the positive impact of MAG temporary exhibitions, permanent collection installations, and programs on UR curricula, campuses, and among the UR community; and supports new opportunities for engagement with UR.

5%

• Work with Development Department on grant proposals, reports, compliance, and requests.

Qualifications:

Master's degree in Art Education, Museum Studies, Art History, Journalism, Literature, or related humanities field required.

Three years in a museum or related cultural organization, planning and implementing programs, exhibitions, visitor research, interpretation, and other activities for diverse audiences required or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Excellence in written and editorial skills; with a keen ability to adapt messaging to tone, reading level, vocabulary, and content focus for varied audiences
• Demonstrated ability to tell stories using media assets and digital platforms and mastery of innovative thinking regarding overall information delivery. Oral and written communication skills.
• Imaginative thinker who can develop innovative and engaging approaches to learning.
• Broad understanding of museum operations (e.g., Curatorial, Conservation, Visitor Services, etc.) that affect the visitor experience and interpretive engagement
• Critical and strategic thinking skills
• Leadership skills in guiding, mentoring and motivating staff
• Emotional intelligence
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to plan phased, long-term projects
• Research and presentation skills
• Ability to work with sensitive material and maintain confidentiality